Should you care about 5.45 AK74s anymore?

Published on October 5, 2025
Duration: 19:18

This video explores the current state and historical significance of the 5.45x39mm caliber and the AK74 platform. The presenter, KLAYCO47, highlights the caliber's excellent shooting characteristics, including soft recoil and flat trajectory, and its historical context as Russia's response to 5.56x45mm. The video discusses the dramatic price fluctuations of AK74s and 5.45x39mm ammunition, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current market challenges. It also touches on the availability of new brass-cased 5.45x39mm ammunition from Global Ordinance and promotes the upcoming Kashbash Texas event.

Quick Summary

The 5.45x39mm caliber is praised for its soft recoil, accuracy, and flat trajectory, making it a superior shooting experience in AK74 rifles. However, current market conditions, including geopolitical events and past pandemic-related price surges, have made both the rifles and ammunition prohibitively expensive and scarce for many enthusiasts.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction to 5.45x39mm and AK74
  2. 00:32Origin of 5.45x39mm
  3. 00:54The Shame of Current Availability
  4. 01:01COVID-19 Impact on Ammo Prices
  5. 01:44AK74 Value Surge During COVID
  6. 01:59The Turn of Tables: Current Market
  7. 02:12Personal AK74 Ownership
  8. 02:42Building a Bulgarian AK74
  9. 03:37Post-Invasion Ammo Bans
  10. 04:07Rant: Why 5.45x39mm is Awesome
  11. 04:24Trying a 5.45 AK74
  12. 05:02Hope for the Future & 7.62x39mm
  13. 05:27Global Ordinance's Brass Case 5.45
  14. 06:36Showcasing Global Ordinance Ammo
  15. 07:14Shooting Experience
  16. 07:18Kashbash Texas Announcement
  17. 08:23AK74 Build Details
  18. 09:23Magazine Aesthetics
  19. 10:02AK74 as a 'Laser Gun'
  20. 10:15Magazine Reload Ease
  21. 11:12Resale Prices & Vendor Interest
  22. 11:23New Production AK Priorities
  23. 11:54Ammo Availability: Tula & Global Ordinance
  24. 12:37Suppressing a Zastava M70
  25. 13:06Special 29-Round RPK Mag
  26. 14:25Should You Get Into 5.45 AK74s Now?
  27. 14:37Collecting vs. Shooting
  28. 15:07Why 5.45 AK74s Make No Sense for Shooting
  29. 15:28Appreciating the 74 and 5.45
  30. 15:48Hope for the Future
  31. 16:13Alternative: 5.56 AKs
  32. 16:455.45 is the Goat (in theory)
  33. 16:51Reality: 5.56 AKs for Practicality
  34. 17:16Listener Feedback Request
  35. 17:40Russian Shooting Stance
  36. 17:48Praying for Greener Pastures
  37. 18:08Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 5.45x39mm caliber desirable for AK rifles?

The 5.45x39mm caliber is highly regarded for its exceptionally soft shooting characteristics, remarkable accuracy, and a flat ballistic trajectory, making it a pleasure to shoot and effective at various distances when chambered in an AK platform like the AK74.

Why are AK74 rifles and 5.45x39mm ammunition currently difficult to acquire and expensive?

The market for AK74s and 5.45x39mm ammunition has been significantly impacted by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical events, and import restrictions, leading to reduced availability and inflated prices, making them less accessible for new shooters.

What are the alternatives for shooters looking for an AK platform if 5.45x39mm is too expensive?

For shooters prioritizing affordability and availability, 5.56x45mm AKs are currently the most practical choice. While 5.45x39mm offers superior shooting dynamics, the widespread availability of 5.56x45mm ammunition makes it a more accessible option for frequent shooting and participation in events.

What is Global Ordinance's contribution to the 5.45x39mm market?

Global Ordinance is a company that has stepped in to help supply the 5.45x39mm market by producing new brass-cased ammunition. While this ammunition is not inexpensive, it offers a higher quality and more reliable option compared to some older surplus ammunition.

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